Auxiliary component package for oxygen-metal batteries

ABSTRACT

A high-rate oxygen-metal battery is provided with an auxiliary component package for the storage, release and pressure regulation of the oxygen gas. The package includes an oxygen storage tank supported on a basal member which also serves as a housing for all the remaining auxiliary components, i.e., an oxygen-release mechanism, a gas-pressure regulator and a circuit switch.

0 United States Patent in: 3,629,009

[72] Inventor Roswell J. Belarlett [56] References Cmd [2]] A i No gg g' g UNITED STATES PATENTS [22] m 7, 1969 651,247 6/1900 Hess 136/86 [45] p d 21,1971 2,9l4,595 ll/l959 Darland etal. l36/86 g Union Carbide Corporal Primary Examiner-Winston A. Douglas New York- Assistant Examiner-H. A. Feeley Attorneys-Paul A. Rose, John F. Hohmann and John R. [541 AUXILIARY COMPONENT PACKAGE FOR OXYGEN-METAL BATTERIES sclaimsi u Driwing ABSTRACT: A high-rate oxygen-metal battery is provided [52] U.S. Cl 136/86 A, with an auxiliary component Package for the g release 136/90 and pressure regulation of the oxygen gas. The package in- 51 Int. Cl ..H0lm27/00, eludes an oxygen storage tank Supported on a basal mcmhvr [-[Ol 17/06 which also serves as a housing for all the remaining auxiliary [50] Field at Search 136/86 A, mp n n xyg -r l m ha i m, a ga -pre 90 sure regulator and a circuit switch.

ATENTEB EH22] an SHEET 1 BF 6 OSWELL J.BENNETT aw? ATTO 'FJY PATENTEU UEEZI t9" SHEET 2 OF 6 INVEVI'OH. ROSWELL J. BENNETT PATENTED EH32] Ian $629,009

sum u [if 6 INYEVTOH. ROSWELL J. BENNETT PATENTED M221 l97l 529,009

SHEET 5 OF 6 INVHN'IOH. ROSWELL J. BENNETT I; Y O y AUXILIARY COMPONENT PACKAGE FOR OXYGEN- METAL BATTERIES This invention relates generally to oxygen-metal batteries. More particularly, the invention relates to high-rate oxygenmetal batteries employing an auxiliary component package for the storage, release and pressure regulation of the oxygen gas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Oxygen-metal batteries are well known in the art. In general, they comprise a plurality of electrochemical cells each of which consists of a pair of electrodes, i.e., an oxygen electrode to which oxygen gas is continuously fed and a metal electrode of the consumable type such as zinc, both being maintained in contact with an alkaline electrolyte.

In the past, oxygen-metal batteries of the type described have not attained widespread use. This was so primarily because of their inability to deliver large quantities of electrical current over a relatively short period of time. Consequently, these batteries have been limited to essentially low-drain applications.

Recent technological advances in the field of oxygen-metal batteries have greatly improved their performance and have made it possible to now manufacture high-rate oxygen-metal batteries capable of delivering large quantities of electrical current. Despite this fact, however, there still remains the drawback in that these batteries require the use of various auxiliary components for their operation which take up a considerable amount of space in the equipment to be powered.

Such auxiliary components which may be required in the operation of oxygen-metal batteries include, for example, a source of oxygen gas such as an oxygen storage tank. The storage tank is usually filled with oxygen under high pressure and care must be taken to properly control the gas pressure of the oxygen being fed to the oxygen electrodes in order to avoid damage to the cells. Thus, it may also be required to employ suitable control devices such as a regulator valve and pressure gauge in order to maintain the gas pressure of the oxygen below a predetermined level.

It is the principal object of this invention to provide an oxygen-metal battery employing an auxiliary component package for the storage, release and pressure regulation of the oxygen gas.

Another object of this invention is to provide an oxygenmetal battery employing an auxiliary component package which is compact and of relatively small size and which does not greatly increase the overall volume of the battery.

Another object of this invention is to provide such an auxiliary component package which employs an oxygen-release mechanism capable of initiating oxygen release at the precise moment when the battery is to be put in use.

Still another object of this invention is to provide such an auxiliary component package which employs a gas-pressure regulator capable of sensing the pressure of the oxygen gas being fed from the storage tank and of automatically controlling the gas pressure of the oxygen to maintain the pressure below a predetermined level.

A further object of this invention is to provide such an auxiliary component package which employs a circuit switch capable of maintaining the terminals of the battery on open circuit and then automatically placing the electrical load across the terminals at the time when the battery is activated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention contemplates the provision in an oxygenmetal battery and particularly one of the high-rate type, of an auxiliary component package for the storage, release and pressure regulation of the oxygen gas. The package forms one section of the entire battery unit and is permanently mounted to one end of the battery proper, usually a columnar stack of electrochemical flat type cells arranged within a battery container.

The auxiliary component package of the invention includes mainly an oxygen storage tank and a basal member on which the storage tank is mounted. The basal member serves as a support for the storage tank and also serves as a housing for all the remaining auxiliary components, namely, an oxygenrelease mechanism, a gas-pressure regulator and a circuit switch.

The auxiliary component package in combination with the battery stack of cells forms a complete battery unit including its own source of oxygen gas and means for releasing and controlling the gas pressure of the oxygen being fed to the cells. All parts of the package are arranged in a very compact manner and do not greatly increase the overall volume of the battery. It will be seen then that the entire battery unit including the auxiliary component package will occupy only a minimum amount of space within the equipment to be powered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more particularly understood by reference to the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. I is an elevational view of a high-rate oxygen-metal battery unit incorporating an auxiliary component package, part being broken away to show details of its construction;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail plan view of the basal plate, taken on line 2-2 of FIG. I and showing in broken lines the location of the auxiliary components;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the basal plate, taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2, and showing the oxygen-release mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view, taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2, and showing the gas-pressure regulator;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view, taken on the line 5--5 of FIG. 3 and showing part of the oxygen-release mechanism and the circuit switch;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view, taken on the line 66 of FIG. 3, and showing that part of the oxygen-release mechanism for activating the battery;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view, taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 2, and showing channels for carrying the expelled electrolyte into a pair of storage compartments;

FIG. 8 is a detail plan view of the insulating endboard, taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 3, and showing the location of gas passageways leading to the columnar stack of flat cells;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view, taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 5, and showing the pair of contacts for the circuit switch;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the basal plate and showing a modification of the gas regulator; and

FIG. 1] is a similar view showing another modification of the invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawing and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown one form of a high-rate oxygen-metal battery unit embodying an auxiliary component package for the storage, release and pressure regulation of oxygen gas in accordance with the invention. The battery itself is incorporated within the lower half section of the unit as generally designated by the reference numeral 10; The battery comprises a series of columnar stacked oxygen-metal cells II of a flat circular disc-shaped configuration mounted within a cylindrical metal battery container 12. The container 12 in the embodiment of the invention illustrated is formed with four stanchions or legs 13 for mounting the battery unit to the device to be powered. It will be understood that the battery stack of cells 11 incorporates suitable gas manifold means as well known in the art for delivering the oxygen gas uniformly to each cell during operation of the battery. Unless otherwise indicated hereinafter, the parts of the battery unit are all constructed of a corrosion-resistant metal or alloy such as stainless steel.

As generally designated by the reference numeral I4, the auxiliary component package is incorporated within the upper half section of the battery unit. The package includes an oxygen storage tank and a circular basal plate 16. As will become apparent hereinafter, the basal plate 16 incorporates all of the remaining auxiliary components for operation of the battery.

The storage tank 15 is of spherical configuration and is made from a relatively thick gauge metal to withstand high gas pressures upwards of about 3,000 p.s.i. To provide further strength for the tank 15, four reinforcing ribs 17 are welded to the top of tank 15. Suitable means, not shown, are also provided for filling the tank 15 with oxygen gas under high pressure.

Basal plate 16 is formed with an integral, diametrically disposed housing structure 18 as more particularly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. This housing structure 18 accommodates the main part of the oxygenrelease mechanism as shall be described in detail hereinafter.

The storage tank 15 is supported on top of the diametrically disposed housing structure 18 as more particularly shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The top wall 19 of the housing structure 18 is of a semicylindrical configuration to accommodate the bottom of the storage tank 15. The tank 15 is secured as by welding to the top wall 19 in order to permanently mount the tank 15.

Basal plate 16 is also formed with an integral, circumferentially disposed housing structure 20 as more particularly shown in FIG. 2. This housing structure 20 extends approximately a quarter of the distance around the circumference of the basal plate 16 and serves to accommodate the remaining part of the oxygen-release mechanism and the circuit switch.

As can be seen from the view of FIG. 2, the diametrically disposed housing portion 18 formed integral with the basal plate 16 also includes an angulated offset portion 21. This por tion 21 accommodates the gas-pressure regulator as shall be described in detail hereinafter.

The basal plate 16 is permanently mounted on top of an electrically insulating disc-shaped endboard 22 which forms a closure for the battery container 12. The insulating endboard 22 is placed on top of the columnar stack of flat cells 11 within the open end of the container 12.

The insulating endboard 22 is formed with a peripheral recess around its upper edges for accommodating an O-ring seal 23. This O-ring seal 23 gastightly seals the outer edges of the endboard 22 against the upper interior sidewalls of the container 12.

The basal plate 16 is formed around its lower edges with a peripheral flange 24. The upper edges of the container 12 are turned or crimped over this flange 24 to secure the basal plate 16 within the open end of the container 12.

It will be seen that the electrically insulating endboard 22 not only serves as a gastight closure for the container 12 but also serves as a means for electrically insulating the lower half section from the upper haif section of the battery unit. The in sulating endboard 22 may suitably be composed of a caustic resistant plastic material such as an epoxy resin, for example.

Mounted around the peripheral edges of the basal plate 16 are a pair of semicylindrical walls 25, 26 as more particularly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. These walls are of such size as to fit around the bottom of the storage tank 15 giving the appearance of a somewhat cylindrically shaped configuration to the whole auxiliary component package of the invention.

The walls 25, 26 are permanently mounted in place with their upper and lower edges secured as by welding respective ly to the sidewall of the tank 15 and the peripheral edges of the basal plate 16. The opposite lateral side edges of the walls 25, 26 are secured as by welding to the side edges of the diametrically disposed housing structure 18. It will be seen particularly from the view of FIG. 2 that the walls 25, 26 define a pair of compartments 27, 28, one located on each side of the partition formed by housing structure 18. These compartments 27, 28 serve to provide space for the accommodation of expelled electrolyte or byproducts of the cell reaction during operation of the battery unit.

The oxygen-release mechanism is shown in detail in FIG. 3. To accommodate the oxygen-release mechanism, the diametrically disposed housing structure 18 is formed with a longitudinal bore 29 shown by broken lines in FIG. 2. The bore 29 is drilled from one end of the housing structure 18 and communicates with a smaller diameter bore 30 at a pointjust short of the opposite end of the structure. A counterbore 31 is also formed in the structure 18 for accommodating parts of the ox ygen-release mechanism as shall be described in detail hereinafter.

To provide a passageway for the oxygen gas leading to the oxygen-release mechanism, the housing structure 18 is formed with a bore 32 which is drilled vertically from the top wall 18. The bore 32 communicates with the bore 30 and is closed at its upper end by a plug 33.

Similarly, to provide a passageway for the oxygen gas leading from the oxygen-release mechanism, the basal plate 16 is formed with a bore 34 communicating with the longitudinal bore 29. This bore 34 is drilled vertically through the bottom of the basal plate 16 at a point approximately midway between the center and outer circumference of the plate.

The oxygen-release mechanism as shown in FIG. 3 consists basically of a spring driven lace which is adapted at the moment of activation to pierce a thin metal seal diaphragm.

The lance shaft 35 is mounted axially through the longitudinal bore 29 and is shown in the armed or cocked position in FIG. 3. In this position the lance head 36 formed integral with the lance shaft 35 is withdrawn a short distance from the thin metal seal diaphragm 37.

The seal diaphragm 37 is of such size as to fit around the shoulder 38 formed by the smaller diameter bore 30. The diaphragm 37 is gastightly seated against this shoulder by means of a threaded bushing 39. This bushing 39 also serves to center the lance head 36.

The lance head 36 is formed with a groove as indicated in 40. This groove 40 is provided so that in the event the lance head 36 does not completely pierce through the diaphragm 37 upon activation the space formed by the groove 40 will allow for passage of the oxygen gas beyond the lance head 36.

Mounted within the counterbore 31 is a lance shaft retainer sleeve 41. This sleeve 41 centers and guides the rearward end of the lance shaft 35. The sleeve 41 is formed with a reduced diameter forward end which fits inside the longitudinal bore 29.

The lance shaft 35 is formed with a larger diameter rear end portion as indicated at 42. This rear end portion 42 is adapted to slide through the counterbore 43 within the sleeve 41. The opening 44 through the forward end of the sleeve 41 is made just slightly larger than the lance shaft 35. This opening 44 is smaller than the counterbore 43 forming a shoulder 45. The shoulder 45 acts as a stop structure for the enlarged rear end portion 42 of the lance shaft 35 limiting its forward movement.

The lance shaft 35 is formed with a pair of integral collars 46, 47 at a point approximately two-thirds along the length of the shaft. These collars 46, 47 are formed of a diameter slightly smaller than the longitudinal bore 29 and are spaced apart a short distance for accommodating an O-ring seal 48. The O-ring seal 48 is of such size as to provide a low-pressure gastight seal around the forward portion of the lance shaft 35. The seal is not so tight as to prohibit the forward movement of the shaft 35 The location of the O-ring seal 48 is such that once the lance shaft 35 has been released and has moved its full length of travel through the longitudinal bore 29 with the lance head 36 piercing the seal diaphragm 37 to allow for the passage of oxygen gas, the O-ring seal 48 will be positioned just short of the bore 34 providing a passageway for the oxygen gas leading from the oxygen-release mechanism.

A helical coil spring 49 for driving the lance upon activation is mounted around the intermediate portion of the lance shaft 35. One end of the coil spring 49 bears against the forward end of the retainer sleeve 41 within the bore 29. The other end of the spring 49 bears against one of the pair of collars 46 formed integral with the lance shaft 35. It will be seen that the coil spring 49 in the armed or cocked position of the lance as shown serves to bias the lance shaft 35 for movement in the forward direction through the bore 29 under a sufficient force to pierce the seal diaphragm 37.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the oxygen-release mechanism is actuated by centrifugal or spin forces which may be encountered, for example, in those applications where the battery unit is used as a power source in a projectile or missile.

The oxygen-release mechanism is actuated by the movement of a weight 50 positioned within the circumferentially disposed housing structure 20. The weight 50 is connected at one end to a rotatable pin 51 as more particularly shown in FIG. 6.

The circumferentially disposed housing structure 20 is formed with a lateral slot 52 for the accommodation of the weight 50. This slot 52 is of such size as to permit the weight 50 acting as a lever arm pivoted about the axis of the pin 51 to move outwardly under the influence of the centrifugal or spin forces to a position essentially shown by the broken lines in FIG. 6. The weight 50 is contoured to lie substantially flush with the circumference of the basal plate 16 when in this position so even upon activation the weight 50 remains entirely within the confines of the battery unit.

The pin 51 is mounted vertically through a hole 53 formed in the lance shaft retainer sleeve 41. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 5, the location of the hole 53 is such that only a portion of the pin 51 (approximately one-third of its cross-sectional area) intersects with the center bore 43. This point of intersection is located just ahead of the enlarged rear end portion 42 of the lance shaft 35 in the armed or cocked position.

The lance shaft 35 is formed with a circumferential recess 54 which in the armed or cocked position coincides with the pin 51. The intermediate portion of the pin 51 is formed with a cam surface 55 which also coincides with the circumferential recess 54. In the armed or cocked position of the lance shaft 35, the pin SI is positioned so that one edge of the cam surface 55 extends into the circumferential recess 54 as indicated by the reference numeral 56.

Upon activation of the lance the pin 51 is caused to rotate counterclockwise by the movement of the weight 50. This rotation of the pin 51 removes the edge of the cam surface 55 from its position extending into the circumferential recess 54 and thus releases the lance shaft 35 from its armed or cocked position.

It should be noted that the cam surface 55 is formed on the pin 51 to a sufficient depth that when the pin 51 is rotated counterclockwise to an actuating position, the cam surface 55 will lie substantially flush with the interior wall of the counterbore 43 as indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 5. This permits free movement for the enlarged rear end portion 42 on the lance shaft 35 past the pin 51 upon activation.

Once the oxygen gas has been released, it is necessary to regulate the pressure of the oxygen gas being fed from the storage tank 15. In the embodiment illustrated the tank 15 is filled with oxygen under high gas pressures upwards of about 3,000 p.s.i. The oxygen pressure should be substantially reduced, i.e., in a pressure ratio of at least about to I, before the oxygen is fed to the battery of cells 11. This is accomplished through the provision of the gas-pressure regulator of the invention.

As more particularly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gas-pressure regulator is accommodated within the angulated offset portion 21 of the diametrically disposed housing structure 20. The regulator is located intermediate the exit port 56 formed in the bottom of the storage tank (see FIG. 4) and the bore 32 forming a passageway for the oxygen gas leading to the oxygen-release mechanism.

The angulated offset portion 21 is formed with a bore 57 located just beneath the exit port 56 as more particularly shown in FIG. 4. The bore 57 communicates with a threaded counterbore 58 formed through the bottom of the basal plate 16. The upper end of the bore 57 is formed with a conical surface 59 which communicates with the opening of a small gas passage 60. This passage 60 opens into the exit port 56.

A cylindrical regulator body member 61 is threaded into the counterbore 58 through the bottom of the basal plate 16. The body member 61 is formed with a center bore 62 and with an integral hexagonal flanged bottom end portion 63. The flanged bottom end portion 63 resides in a circular recess 64 formed within the insulating end board 22 as more particularly shown in FIG. 8.

Mounted through the center bore 62 of the body member 61 is a needle valve 65. The needle valve 65 has a conical upper end as shown at 66.

Surrounding the needle valve 65 is a metal expandable bellows sleeve 67. The bellows sleeve 67 also has a conical upper end as shown at 68. This conical upper end 68 overlies the conical upper end 66 of the needle valve 65 and is positioned within the conical surface 59. The conical surface 59 in conjunction with the opening of passage 60 forms a valve seat.

The bottom end of the bellows sleeve 67 is formed with a circular flange 69. This flange 69 is positioned around the shoulder 70 formed by the counterbore 58 and is gastightly seated against this shoulder by the upper end of the body member 61.

The needle valve 65 carries at its bottom end a large circular piston 71. The piston 71 is positioned just below the flanged bottom end portion 63 of the body member 61 and is biased in a direction away from the body member 61 by a resilient member such as a spring 72.

Mounted around the piston 71 within the circular recess 64 is a metal expandable bellows cup 73. The bellows cup 73 also surrounds the flanged bottom end portion 63 of the body member 61 and is spaced from the bottom and sidewalls of the circular recess 64. The cup 73 is formed with an upper flanged peripheral edge 74 which is gastightly secured as by welding to the bottom of the basal plate 16.

It will be seen that the circular recess 64 forms a gas chamber surrounding the bellows cup 73. This chamber is supplied with a portion of the oxygen gas being fed from the storage tank 15.

As more particularly shown in FIG. 8, the oxygen gas is fed through a notch 75 communicating with a channel 76 formed in the top surface of the end board 22. The channel 76 forms one of a pair of channels 76, 77 for carrying the oxygen gas to the battery of cells 11. The channels 76, 77 communicate at one end with the passageway formed by the bore 34 leading from the oxygen-release mechanism. At the other end the channels 76, 77 communicate with a pair of ports 78, 79 formed in the end board 22. These ports 78, 79 lead to the gas manifold (not shown) for uniformly distributing the oxygen gas to each one of the cells 11.

To provide a passageway for the oxygen gas leading from the pressure regulator, the angulated offset portion 21 is formed with a bore 80 as more particularly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The bore 80 is drilled horizontally from the sidewall of the diametrically disposed housing structure 18 and intersects with the bore 32 forming the passageway leading to the oxygen-release mechanism. One end of the bore 80 is closed by a plug 81. The other end of the bore 80 communicates with the upper end of the bore 57 forming a housing for the needle valve structure.

Prior to actuation of the battery, the oxygen gas under the full tank pressure fills the passageways leading to and from the pressure regulator but is sealed off from passage to the battery of cells 11 by means of the seal diaphragm 37 forming part of the oxygen-releasing mechanism. At the moment of activation when the lance pierces the seal diaphragm 37, the oxygen gas begins to flow from the storage tank 15 to the battery of cells 11. The oxygen gas follows a path through the bore 34 leading from the oxygen-release mechanism and then enters the channels 76, 77 formed within the top surface of the insulating endboard 22 from whence the gas flows to the manifold for distribution to each one of the cells 11.

A portion of the oxygen gas flowing through the channel 76 enters the gas chamber formed by the circular recess 64 by way of the small notch 75. It will be seen that the gas pressure of the oxygen within the gas chamber will initially be substantially the same as the gas pressure within the storage tank 15.

This gas pressure is immediately reduced by operation of the pressure regulator which acts through means of the needle valve 65 to restrict or close off the flow of oxygen gas from the storage tank 15. The pressure within the gas chamber formed by the circular recess 64 is applied against the bottom wall of the expandable bellows cup 73. This pressure is transmitted to the piston 71. The piston 71 has a greater surface area than the conical upper end 68 of the bellows sleeve 67 which is exposed to the full tank pressure through the passage 60. The difference in surface area between the conical upper end 68 and the piston 71 results in net force urging the needle valve 65 to move in a direction opposite to the bias force being exerted by the spring 72. The resiliency of the spring 72 controls the movement of the needle valve 65. The movement of the needle valve 65 forces the conical upper end 68 of the bellows sleeve 67 to travel a short distance in the direction of the valve seat formed at the opening of the passage 60 leading from the exit port 56 of the storage tank 15.

Depending on the ratio of gas-pressure reduction to be attained, the spring 72 can be set to apply any given bias force against the piston 71 to control or regulate the movement of the needle valve 65. it will be seen that the regulator will continue to sense" the pressure within the gas chamber formed by the circular recess 64 and cause the conical upper end 68 to travel a sufficient distance in either direction toward or away from the valve seat to restrict, close off or open the passage 60 to the flow of oxygen gas from the storage tank 15. This continuous control of the flow of oxygen through the passage 60 maintains the gas pressure of the oxygen below a predetermined level.

It should also be noted that one important advantage of the pressure regulator of the invention is that the expandable bel lows sleeve 67 acts as a needle valve seal. This eliminates the need for frictionand sliding-type seals between moving parts which might not be effective against the full gas pressure of the oxygen within the storage tank 15. An opening 82 should be formed in the basal plate 16 to vent the gas chamber formed by the recess inside the bellows cup 73.

The auxiliary component package of the invention also includes a circuit switch for maintaining the terminals of the battery on open circuit" and disconnected from the electrical load, i.e., electronic package used in equipment to be powered. The cells 11 are assembled with electrolyte and exhibit an open circuit voltage. It is necessary then that the voltage of the cells 11 not be applied to the load until the time that the battery is activated.

As more particularly shown in FIG. 5, the circuit switch is accommodated with the circumferentially disposed housing structure 20. The switch is situatedjust beneath the slot 52 for accommodating the weight 50 and is located in the same horizontal plane as the longitudinal bore 29 for housing the lance shaft 35.

To accommodate the circuit switch, the circumferentially disposed housing structure is formed with a bore 83. This bore 83 communicates with the counterbore 31 for the lance shaft retainer sleeve 41. A counterbore 84 is also formed within the housing structure 20. The counterbore 84 extends approximately three-quarters of the distance along the structure 20.

Within the counterbore 84 is positioned a tubular-shaped insulating member 85. The forward open end of the insulating member 85 abuts with an annular insulating cap 86. This cap 86 is positioned against the shoulder 87 formed by the counterbore 84 and has its central opening in alignment with the bore 83. A mounting plate 88 held in position by machine screws 89 secures the insulating member 85 in place within the counterbore 84.

A shorting bar contactor 90 mounted on one end of an insu lating plastic-bonded fiber plunger 91 is positioned inside the tubular-shaped insulating member 85. The plunger 91 is mounted through the bore 83 and has its forward end positioned within an angulated opening 92 formed at the rear portion of the lance shaft retainer member 41. The opening 92 communicates with the counterbore 43 formed in the retainer member 41.

In the armed or cocked position of the lance, the forward end of the plunger 91 contacts the enlarged rear end portion 42 of the lance shaft 35. A helical coil spring 93 is mounted within the insulating member with one end bearing against the closed rearward end of the member 85. The other end of the spring 93 bears against the contactor 90.

A pair of gold-plated silver contacts 94, 95 are mounted within the open end of the insulating member 85 as more particularly shown in FIG. 9. These contacts are separated from one another by a pair of insulating fiberboard spacers 96, 97. Although not shown, the contacts 94, 95 are provided with a pair of wire leads for connecting the battery to the electrical load. The wire leads pass through two apertures 98, 99 formed in the basal plate 16 as more particularly shown in FIG. 2.

When the lance shaft 35 is released upon activation of the battery, the enlarged rear end portion 42 of the lance shaft 35 is displaced in the forward direction. This permits the forward end of the plunger 91 to move into the counterbore 43 as shown by the broken lines in FIG. 5. The contactor then engages with the pair of contacts 94, and completes the circuit for connecting the battery of flat cells 11 to the electrical load.

It will be seen then that the circuit switch of the invention serves to prevent the cells 11 from seeing" the load until the proper time and also serves to make a positive low-resistance closure with the pair of contacts 94, 95 at the time of activation. The switch closure takes place simultaneously or preferably just after the lance is released and never precedes the release of oxygen.

During operation of the battery, the cells 11 may expel electrolyte or reaction byproduct (zinc oxide) which is forced upwardly through an opening 100 in the insulating endboard 22 as more particularly shown in FIG. 7. A pair of channels 101, 102 are formed through the diametrically disposed housing structure 18. These channels communicate with the opening 100 for carrying the electrolyte into each one of the pair of compartments 27, 28. An O-ring seal 103 is positioned within a circular recess 104 formed in the top surface of the end board 22 for sealing the opening 100.

FIG. 10 shows a modification of the gas-pressure regulator. The modification is of basically the same construction using an expandable bellows sleeve 67a positioned within a longitu dinal bore 105. The bore 105 has a conical surface 106 and forms a valve seat at the opening of a small passage 107. The passage 107 communicates with the gas passage 604 leading from the oxygen storage tank 15.

A counterbore 108 is formed through the sidewall of the angulated offset portion 21 approximately two'thirds the distance along the bore 105. Threadably engaged inside this counterbore 108 is an annular needle valve body member 109. The forward end of the body member 109 gastightly seats the flanged edge portion 69a of the bellows sleeve 67a against the shoulder 110 formed by the counterbore 108.

The needle valve 650 is mounted through the opening within the body member 109. The forward end of the needle valve 650 extends through the bellows sleeve 67a in the same manner as described before.

Mounted within the open end of the counterbore 108 is an adjustable screw 111. This screw 111 is spaced from the needle valve 650 within the counterbore 108. The rearward end of the needle valve 65a is provided with a notched portion 112 for accommodating one end of a V-shaped multiplier spring 113. The screw 111 is similarly provided with a notched por tion 114 for accommodating the other end of the spring 113.

The multiplier spring 113 is mounted on top ofa large circular piston 115 having a stern 116 positioned within a bore 117. The bore 117 is formed through the bottom of the basal plate 16 and intersects at a right angle with the counterbore 108.

The piston 115 is mounted within a counterbore 118. In the open position of the needle valve 65a the piston 115 rests on a ring 119 which is mounted within the sidewalls of the counterbore 118.

The stem 116 extends into the counterbore 108 at a point intermediate the adjusting screw 111 and the rearward end of the needle valve 65a. The apex of the spring 113 is seated within a shallow recess (not shown) within the top of the stem 116.

A sliding low-friction O-ring seal 120 is positioned between a shoulder 121 formed around the stem 116 and the sidewalls of the counterbore 118. This O-ring seal 120 permits movement of the piston 115 while at the same time gastightly seals the piston within the counterbore 118.

It will be seen that the operation of the modified pressure regulator is basically the same as that described before. A portion of the oxygen gas flowing from the storage tank 115 enters the gas chamber formed by the circular recess 64. When the gas pressure inside the chamber rises above a predetermined level, the piston 115 is forced in a direction opposite to the bias force applied by the multiplier spring 113. The movement of the piston 115 compresses the spring 113 which then causes the needle valve 65a to move in the forward direction through the expandable bellows 67a. The conical end 68a formed on the bellows sleeve 67a then moves a short distance in the direction of the valve seat formed at the opening of the passage 107 to restrict, close off or open the passage 107 to the flow of oxygen gas from the storage tank 15.

One advantage of the modified pressure regulator is that the ratio of pressure reduction can be more readily controlled by means of the adjusting screw 111. It will be seen that the screw 11] can be rotated to vary its position within the threaded counterbore 108. Thus the compression of the spring 113 can be altered to vary the bias force applied against the needle valve 650.

The modification shown in FIG. 11 incorporates an alternate means for actuating both the oxygen-release mechanism and the circuit switch. The several parts of the components where identical to those previously described are represented by the same reference numerals, the basic construction of the components being substantially the same with the circuit switch relocated to a position just beneath the oxygen-release mechanism.

To accommodate the circuit switch, the diametrically disposed housing structure 18 is formed with a bore 122 whose axis is parallel to the axis of the longitudinal bore 29 for accommodating the lance shaft 35. Placed inside the bore 122 is a tubular insulating member 123. The rearward end of the insulating member 123 abuts with an insulating cap 124. The forward end of the insulating member 123 is closed by an annular insulating cap 125.

Mounted within the tubular insulating member 123 is the shorting bar contactor 90 and the insulating plunger 91. The contactor 90 is biased for forward movement by the helical coil spring 93. The pair of contacts 94, 95 are mounted within the forward portion of the tubular insulating member 123 in the same manner as shown in FIG. 5.

The insulating plunger 91 is mounted through the opening within the insulating cap 125. The forward end of the plunger 91 extends through a bore 126 formed in the lower half section ofa modified lance shaft retainer member 127. The upper half section of the retainer member 127 fits inside the counterbore 31 with the lower half section being accommodated within the open end portion ofthe bore 122.

The lance shaft retainer member 127 is formed with a counterbore 128 for accommodating the lance shaft 35. The counterbore 128 is made just slightly larger than the enlarged rear end portion 42 of the lance shaft 35. The shoulder 129 formed by the smaller opening 130 in the forward end of the retainer member 127 acts as a stop structure for the enlarged rear end portion 42 limiting the forward movement of the lance shaft 35 in the same manner as described before.

The lance shaft retainer member 127 is also formed with a vertical bore 131 which intersects and communicates with the bore 126 for accommodating the plunger 91 and with the counterbore 128 for accommodating the lance shaft 35.

Intermediate the bore 126 and the counterbore 128 is formed another longitudinal bore 132 for accommodating a withdrawal pin 133. The forward end of the pin 133 resides within the vertical bore 131.

Positioned within the vertical bore 131 are a pair of metal spheres 134, 135. One of the spheres 134 is placed in contact between the forward end of the pin 133 and the circumferential recess 54 is formed on the rearward portion of the lance shaft 35. The other sphere 135 is placed between the forward end of the pin 133 and the forward end of the insulating plunger 91.

In the armed or cock position of the lance shaft 35, the metal sphere 134 residing partly within the circumferential recess 54 holds the shaft against forward movement under the bias force being exerted by the helical spring 49. In a similar manner the sphere 135 positioned between the pin 133 and the forward end of the insulating plunger 91 holds the plunger against forward movement under the bias force being exerted by the helical coil spring 93.

It will be seen with this modification that activation of the battery is achieved by withdrawal of the pin 133. When the pin 133 is withdrawn through the bore 132, the forward end of the pin is removed from contact with the pair of spheres 134, 135 which are then forced to move in a direction toward one another, thus simultaneously releasing the lance shaft 35 and the insulating plunger 91. The forward movement of the lance shaft 35 initiates oxygen release and the forward movement of the insulating plunger 91 allows the contactor to complete the battery circuit by shorting the pair of contactors 94, 95.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, an oxygen-metal battery comprising a plurality of cells arranged within a container forming one section of a battery unit and an auxiliary component package mounted to said container and forming another section of the battery unit, said auxiliary component package comprising: an oxygen storage tank; a basal member for supporting said storage tank, said basal member forming a housing for the auxiliary components including (a) a spin-activated oxygenrelease mechanism positioned within a first passageway formed within said basal member; (b) passage means for passing the oxygen from said storage tank to said plurality of cells; (c) means for regulating the pressure of oxygen fed from said storage tank; and (d) means for maintaining said battery electrically disconnected from an external load until oxygen is released from said storage tank by said oxygen-release mechanism.

2. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for regulating the pressure of oxygen comprises a valve body, a needle valve slidably mounted in said valve body and having one end positioned within a second passageway having an inlet opening communicating with said storage tank and forming a valve seat, an expandable bellows member gastightly surrounding one end of said needle valve within said passageway and having a surface thereon overlying said needle valve and adapted to close with said valve seat, a piston movably mounted within a gas chamber, means including a resilient member for biasing said piston in a direction opposite to the direction of movement caused by an increase in the pressure within said gas chamber and for transmitting movement of said piston to said needle valve and gas passage means communicating between said passageway and said gas chamber.

3. The combination in accordance with claim 8 wherein said means for maintaining said battery electrically disconnected from an external load comprises an elongated insulating member, a pair of isolated contacts located at one end of said insulating member and a shorting bar contactor mounted on an insulating plunger extending between said pair of isolated contacts, means for driving said shorting bar contactor in a direction toward said pair of isolated contacts, and means associated with said retainer means for restricting movement of said insulating plunger and for retaining said shorting bar con tactor in spaced-apart relation from said pair of isolated contacts until said lance is released.

4. The combination in accordance with claim ll wherein the means for retaining said lance in a withdrawn position from said seal diaphragm comprises a retainer member having a counterbore for accommodating the rearward end portion of the lance and a rotatable pin having a cam surface thereon positioned within said retainer member, said pin having a portion thereof including said cam surface residing partly within said counterbore and engaging a circumferential recess formed around the rear end portion of said lance.

5. The combination in accordance with claim 4 wherein the means for releasing said lance comprises a weight attached to one end of said rotatable pin and adapted to move in response to centrifugal force causing rotation of said pin and release of said lance.

6. The combination in accordance with claim 3 wherein the means for retaining said lance in a withdrawn position from said seal diaphragm and for restricting movement of said insulating plunger comprises a retainer member having one section formed with a counterbore for accommodating the rearward end portion of said lance and another section formed with a bore for accommodating said insulating plunger, a withdrawal pin mounted through an intermediate bore within said retainer member and having its forward end located in a bore communicating between said first-mentioned bores and a pair of metal spheres positioned within said last-mentioned bore one at each side of the forward end of said withdrawal pin, one of said metal spheres being disposed partly within a circumferential recess formed around the rearward portion of said lance and the other metal sphere being positioned to restrict the forward movement of said insulating plunger.

7. A gas-pressure regulator comprising, in combination;

a. a housing forming a gas passageway having an inlet opening forming a valve seat;

b. a valve body mounted within said housing;

c. a needle valve slidably mounted through said valve body and having one end extending through said gas passageway;

d. a first expandable bellows member gastightly surrounding said needle valve within said gas passageway and having a surface formed thereon overlying said needle valve and adapted to move in a direction towards said valve seat;

. a gas chamber;

f. a piston mounted to the other end of said needle valve within said gas chamber, the surface area of said piston being larger than that of said surface formed on said first bellows member;

g. a second expandable bellows member gastightly surrounding said piston within said gas chamber;

h. a resilient member interposed between said valve body and said piston biasing said piston in a direction away from said valve body; and

i. a gas passage means communicating between said gas passageway and said gas chamber.

8. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said spin-activated oxygen-release mechanism comprises a lance and a seal diaphragm positioned within said first passageway formed within said basal member, means for driving said lance in a direction towards said seal diaphragm, means for retaining said lance in a withdrawn position from said seal diaphragm and means for releasing said lance for movement in a direction towards said seal diaphragm. 

2. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for regulating the pressure of oxygen comprises a valve body, a needle valve slidably mounted in said valve body and having one end positioned within a second passageway having an inlet opening communicating with said storage tank and forming a valve seat, an expandable bellows member gastightly surrounding one end of said needle valve within said passageway and having a surface thereon overlying said needle valve and adapted to close with said valve seat, a piston movably mounted within a gas chamber, means including a resilient member for biasing said piston in a direction opposite to the direction of movement caused by an increase in the pressure within said gas chamber and for transmitting movement of said piston to said needle valve and gas passage means communicating between said passageway and said gas chamber.
 3. The combination in accordance with claim 8 wherein said means for maintaining said battery electrically disconnected from an external load comprises an elongated insulating member, a pair of isolated contacts located at one end of said insulating member and a shorting bar contactor mounted on an insulating plunger extending between said pair of isolated contacts, means for driving said shorting bar contactor in a direction toward said pair of isolated contacts, and means associated with said retainer means for restricting movement of said insulating plunger and for retaining said shorting bar contactor in spaced-apart relation from said pair of isolated contacts until said lance is released.
 4. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means for retaining said lance in a withdrawn position from said seal diaphragm comprises a retainer member having a counterbore for accommodating the rearward end portion of the lance and a rotatable pin having a cam surface thereon positioned within said retainer member, said pin having a portion thereof including said cam surface residing partly within said counterbore and engaging a circumferential recess formed around the rear end portion of said lance.
 5. The combination in accordance with claim 4 wherein the means for releasing said lance comprises a weight attached to one end of said rotatable pin and adapted to move in response to centrifugal force causing rotation of said pin and release of said lance.
 6. The combination in accordance with claim 3 wherein the means for retaining said lance in a withdrawn position from said seal diaphragm and for restricting movement of said insulating plunger comprises a retainer member having one section formed with a counterbore for accommodating the rearward end portion of said lance and another section formed with a bore for accommodating said insulating plunger, a withdrawal pin mounted through an intermediate bore within said retainer member and having its forward end located in a bore communicating between said first-mentioned bores and a pair of metal spheres positioned within said last-mentioned bore one at each side of the forward end of said withdrawal pin, one of said metal spheres being disposed partly within a circumferential recess formed around the reArward portion of said lance and the other metal sphere being positioned to restrict the forward movement of said insulating plunger.
 7. A gas-pressure regulator comprising, in combination; a. a housing forming a gas passageway having an inlet opening forming a valve seat; b. a valve body mounted within said housing; c. a needle valve slidably mounted through said valve body and having one end extending through said gas passageway; d. a first expandable bellows member gastightly surrounding said needle valve within said gas passageway and having a surface formed thereon overlying said needle valve and adapted to move in a direction towards said valve seat; e. a gas chamber; f. a piston mounted to the other end of said needle valve within said gas chamber, the surface area of said piston being larger than that of said surface formed on said first bellows member; g. a second expandable bellows member gastightly surrounding said piston within said gas chamber; h. a resilient member interposed between said valve body and said piston biasing said piston in a direction away from said valve body; and i. a gas passage means communicating between said gas passageway and said gas chamber.
 8. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said spin-activated oxygen-release mechanism comprises a lance and a seal diaphragm positioned within said first passageway formed within said basal member, means for driving said lance in a direction towards said seal diaphragm, means for retaining said lance in a withdrawn position from said seal diaphragm and means for releasing said lance for movement in a direction towards said seal diaphragm. 